SRES-717-119
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2179)
Sponsored by Rick Scott (R-FL)
What it does
This resolution would have the Senate formally honor the memory of Jereima "Jeri" Bustamante on the eighth anniversary of her death, offer condolences to her family and friends, and encourage recipients of a scholarship established in her name to continue her legacy. It creates no new law, program, or funding.
Who benefits
The family, friends, and former colleagues of Jeri Bustamante receive public recognition and condolences; the Jereima Bustamante Memorial Scholarship and its recipients receive symbolic encouragement.
Who is hurt
No group is materially or negatively affected by this resolution.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formally commemorating a constituent's life and public service, including her work as press secretary to a Florida governor, is a meaningful way for the Senate to recognize community contributions and comfort grieving family and friends. They contend such resolutions cost nothing and carry symbolic value for the community she served.
Opponents argue
Critics of commemorative resolutions in general argue that Senate floor time and committee referrals are better spent on substantive legislation rather than individual tributes, which they contend could be handled through non-legislative means such as local proclamations. They note that this criticism applies to the practice broadly rather than to any specific flaw in this particular resolution.
Constitutional context
This resolution raises no constitutional question beyond the Senate's general authority under Article I to conduct its own proceedings, including passing simple resolutions of commemoration.
Checks and balances
This is a non-binding Senate resolution that carries no legal force, affects no other branch's authority, and requires no executive action or judicial review.